Overview
I was given a brief to design an educational app that teaches users about the core principles of 2D design. The app gives the user a fun and simple introduction into concepts commonly seen in the field of graphic design and visual arts. Utilizing a range of animation styles and visual elements, users can be educated about these principles through an interactive, game-like experience.
Problem
How can we educate people about the basic principles of 2D design in a straight-forward and memorable way?
Solution
I designed an app with a visually-appealing interface and guided interactions for users to learn about 2D design principles.
Timeline
My Roles
1 month
Graphic Design Animation Wireframe
UI Design
Final Product
Discovery & Concepting
Basic 2D Design principles include:
Unity, Variety, Emphasis, Balance, Rhythm, and Proportion.
I started off by finding inspirations for how the app should look like on Pinterest.
I wanted to use simple shapes and colors, and after looking at different images, I decided to go for a celestial theme by utilizing a combination of different star shapes and orbs on top of gradient backgrounds.
I attended users to be guided and play with the shapes first, before being given the definition of the principle.
Research & Sketches
To understand how these principles can be applied in an app interface format, I took notes from apps I use on my phone to find examples of these principles being used.
From there I started sketching the designs and noting how the interactions would work. The sketches with the purple dot are the designs I ultimately went with, give or take, for the final product.
Final Thoughts
& Next Step
Final Thoughts & Next Step
I received good critiques on the visuals of the app and the easability of usage. One thing that could be improved is the animation. There were moments where the screen or element jerks when a shape is moved, which can be refined. Additional user-testing can help us figure out what can be further improved as well and know if the app successfully help users understand 2D design principles.